'An enjoyable grand tour of western European history ... full of flavour and sparkle.' The
Sunday Times 'The book's elegant premise is that the Rhine the Rhône and the Po gave
rise to the three great national cultures - and in doing so helped unify Europe' Financial
Times A fascinating exploration of the rich and varied cultural worlds shaped by the
Rhine the Rhone and the Po Three of Europe's greatest rivers share the same geological
cradle: one fertile patch of Alpine ice in the jagged heights of central Switzerland. Coursing
down through the peaks the Rhine the Rhone and the Po gave birth to three different European
cultures - German French and Italian - as they flowed across the continent. From this
shared geological cradle these waterways have shaped the landscape influenced the pattern of
towns and cities laid the foundation for economies and created an intricate network of
transport trade and agriculture. From the Romanesque buttresses and vines of Provence to the
Wagnerian music of the Rhine and the artistic miracles of Lombardy the heart of Western Europe
- its languages religion philosophy science politics and art - has been nourished by these
waters. Setting off in the dramatic mountain landscape where this story begins
acclaimed historian Robert Winder traces the rivers' journeys from their increasingly fragile
glacial sources revealing in shimmering detail their impact on Europe's rich history as they
flow towards the sea. 'Revelatory and inspirational a passionate love-letter to Western
Europe's great trinity of waterways.' James Hawes author of The Shortest History of Germany
'Enthralling . . . gives intriguing insight into the ebb and flow of Western Europe's culture
history and geography.' Jasper Winn author of Water Ways 'In this love letter to the
Continent Robert Winder takes a meandering and always entertaining journey down Western
Europe's three great rivers. His affection for his subject shines through on every page . . .
and his daring digressive style gives him latitude for quirky erudition and the chance to
deliver unexpected delights.' Stephen O'Shea author of The Alps 'Insightful elegant
and deeply researched to the very last drop this book will change the way you see rivers - and
the continent they have shaped - forever.' Matt Gaw author of In All Weathers ' Three
Rivers is wonderful excursion into history travel and stories about some of the most
fascinating rivers of Europe - do yourself a favour and take a holiday with this book. ' Robert
Twigger author of Red Nile
